Dogs’ and cats’ teeth

19 March 2024

Dogs’ and cats’ teeth are often neglected, yet they play a very important role in their overall health and well-being. Understanding the differences in dentition between dogs and cats, and the importance of these structures to their diet and health, is therefore essential to limit certain consequences.

Milk teeth

Puppies and kittens are born without teeth and develop their first milk teeth in the first few weeks of life. This process is known as “tooth eruption”. Did you know that puppies generally have a full set of milk teeth by 6 to 8 weeks of age, while kittens will have their full set of teeth by 6 to 7 weeks? In puppies, the complete milk dentition generally consists of 28 teeth, while in kittens, 26 teeth make it up. These temporary teeth are smaller and sharper than the permanent teeth, but they are essential for their early feeding and the development of their jaw and facial muscles.

The transition to permanent teeth

Around the age of 3 to 4 months, the baby teeth start to fall out, making way for the permanent teeth. This transition process is gradual and can last several months. It is important for their long-term dental health. Permanent teeth are larger and stronger, and are designed to last the animal’s entire life. Dogs have 42 permanent teeth, while cats have 30. It is important to note that some breeds of dog, such as miniature breeds, may have variations in the number of teeth.

What is the function of teeth?

The difference in the number of teeth between species partly reflects differences in their natural diet. Dogs, as omnivores, have dentition adapted for grasping, tearing and chewing a variety of foods, including meat, vegetables and cereals. Cats, on the other hand, are strict carnivores, and their dentition is specialised for hunting and eating prey. Their sharp canines and molars are designed to adapt to their carnivorous diet.

The consequences of poor oral hygiene

Inadequate oral hygiene can have serious consequences for the health of our companions. The build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can be painful and result in tooth loss or even serious general disorders.

In conclusion, our dogs’ and cats’ teeth are much more than just tools for eating. They are adapted to their natural diet and play a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. By providing appropriate dental care, we can help to ensure a healthy life for our four-legged friends.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.